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LOT 0430
Egyptian Faience Phallic Figural Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 - 1 3/4 in. (24.5 grams total, 18-44 mm).
Figurine of a naked male seated on a rectangular base, his phallus extended forward on which the harp he is playing rests; sold with a later white-glazed heart with blue finial, possibly after the antique. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years.
with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017.
Property of a French collector.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl. I, nos. 7a-p, for examples of heart amulets.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Blue-Glazed Amulet of Bes
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Faience amulet of the god Bes with his body of a dwarf, leonine head, and feather headdress; with a bright blue satin glaze and raised accents in yellow, modelled similarly on both sides; pierced through the neck for suspension 8.2 grams, 46 mm
From the P.C. collection, 1990s. Ex London gallery. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.
Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to protect from snakes. -
Egyptian Hardstone Pendant with Inscription
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Teardrop-shaped flat pendant pierced at the broad end, with incised text to both faces. 1.70 grams, 36 mm
From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector. -
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. 0.44 grams, 13 mm
From an early 20th century collection, Surrey, UK.
Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic.
